This book brings together the best and most popular papers and lectures of one of the most stimulating voices in contemporary theological conversation. In striking prose, Johann Baptist Metz, a founder of "political theology," faithfully attends to the social, cultural and economic dimensions of Christian theology. "John Downey has provided an excellent introduction to the political theology of Johann Baptist Metz by judiciously selecting from Metz's own writings. At a time when religion and morality are receiving more attention in American political campaigns, Metz's political theology is a needed corrective to the tendency to make Christianity simply conform to contemporary culture. The redemptive transformation of humanity and culture in the Cross and Resurrection of Christ is fundamental." Fr. Matthew L. Lamb, Boston College--Sanford Lakoff "John Downey has vibrantly and energetically introduced the political theology of John Baptist Metz. Metz's essays from 1966-1997 demonstrate his thirty years of commitment to transform society through the powerful, dangerous memory of Christ's passion. His practical hope for the church and the world is proclaimed and explained clearly and forthrightly for all serious readers." Dr. Stephen Happel, School of Religious Studies, The Catholic University of America--Sanford Lakoff "The best of Metz! Well-suited for use in the university classroom, parish study group, or adult education program, Love's Strategy charts out the contours of a theology at once political and mystical, shaped through and through by the dangerous memory of Christ Crucified. In John Downey's hands, Metz's words leap and quiver in prophetic utterance: Christian theology is nothing if not a bold act of hope." Michael Downey, Professor of Systematic Theology and Spirituality Saint John's Seminary, Camarillo--Sanford Lakoff "These down-to-earth essays display the important contributions of Father Metz to fundamental theology. He creatively addresses crucial issues like pluralism, human rights, narrative, and ethics and shows how theology begins in the life and practice or our communities of memory and hope. A wonderful collection." Terrence W. Tilley, Chair and Professor, University of Religious Studies, University of Dayton--Sanford Lakoff "This book would be an excellent text for use in ecumenical and peace and justice groups." Betty Fricke, The Monos Community.--Sanford Lakoff John K. Downey is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University.